virtually undetectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually undetectable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost impossible to detect or notice, often in contexts related to technology, security, or subtlety. Example: "The new software update includes features that make the malware virtually undetectable by traditional antivirus programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And some would say the Kazakh version is so moderate as to be virtually undetectable.

The Guardian - Opinion

You'd need a microscope to measure it; the curve is virtually undetectable.

The New York Times - Tech

Now, H.I.V. is virtually undetectable in his blood, and he teaches tai chi at various locations in Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade County

The New York Times - Health

After the initial binding of sperm and egg, Juno bows out, becoming virtually undetectable after 40 minutes, the scientists found.

The Guardian

It's going to be virtually undetectable if it's done correctly, and that's what concerns me about it".

The New Yorker

Radiation experts discovered the cause of Litvinenko's illness hours before he died: poisoning by polonium-210, a virtually undetectable radioactive isotope produced at closed government facilities inside Russia.

The Guardian

From the sidewalk, it is virtually undetectable; the only clue is a little sign, no larger than a desk lamp, at the bottom of a dark stairwell.

The New York Times - Travel

A submarine can hide from a few noisily obvious ships and planes, but it is harder to hide from a swarm of small, virtually undetectable drones.

The Guardian - Tech

Results: The tracheotomy site was virtually undetectable in 5 patients.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

The ship wouldpack some 500 cruise missiles, be virtually undetectable on radarand need only a small crew.

Forbes

At one point, the difference between a 10.1-megapixel candra and a 6-megapixel camera was virtually undetectable (well, except for the megapixel thing).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually undetectable" when describing something whose presence or effect is so minimal that it's extremely difficult to notice or measure. It's effective in technical contexts, such as describing security measures or scientific results, as well as in everyday language to emphasize subtlety.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually undetectable" when something is merely difficult, but not nearly impossible, to detect. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact; reserve it for situations where the difficulty of detection is genuinely exceptional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually undetectable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it is nearly impossible to detect using available methods or senses. Ludwig examples confirm its adjectival role, effectively describing the degree to which something cannot be detected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually undetectable" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something extremely difficult to detect or notice. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage and suggests that it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. Related phrases include "almost undetectable" and "nearly invisible". When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the near impossibility of detection, and avoid overusing it to maintain its impact. The phrase is suitable for a variety of registers, leaning slightly towards neutral, making it appropriate for professional and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost undetectable

This alternative replaces "virtually" with "almost", reducing the degree of certainty slightly.

practically undetectable

This alternative replaces "virtually" with "practically", implying a similar level of difficulty in detection.

nearly invisible

This alternative shifts the focus to visual detection specifically.

almost imperceptible

This alternative broadens the scope to include all forms of perception, not just visual.

barely noticeable

This alternative emphasizes the minimal impact or visibility of something.

scarcely detectable

This alternative underscores the rarity or infrequency of detection.

faintly discernible

This alternative suggests that something can be detected, but with great difficulty.

subtly apparent

This alternative highlights the understated nature of something that is hard to detect.

effectively hidden

This alternative places greater emphasis on the result of being hidden rather than on detectability.

imperceptible to most

This alternative specifies that the inability to detect applies to the majority of observers.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually undetectable" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually undetectable" to describe something extremely difficult to notice. For example, "The changes to the code were "virtually undetectable", even to experienced programmers."

What can I say instead of "virtually undetectable"?

You can use alternatives like "almost undetectable", "nearly invisible", or "practically undetectable" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "almost undetectable" or "virtually undetectable"?

"Virtually undetectable" implies something is nearly impossible to detect, while "almost undetectable" suggests a slightly lower degree of difficulty. The better choice depends on the specific context and the level of precision you want to convey.

What is the difference between "virtually imperceptible" and "virtually undetectable"?

"Virtually imperceptible" refers to something that is nearly impossible to perceive through the senses, while ""virtually undetectable"" specifically refers to something difficult to find or notice, even with tools or investigation. "Imperceptible" relates to sensory input, while "undetectable" relates to discovery or identification.